If you're talking about past habits or explaining how your life has changed, "used to" is an essential phrase to know. Let's see how "used to" works, when to use it, and how to form sentences with it.
"Used to" is an easy phrase that allows you to talk about past habits or states that no longer exist. It's perfect for remembering about the past days or explaining how things have changed over time.
Just like the verb "to be," "used to" has specific situations where it is useful. Let's break them down with some examples.
Example: "When I was a child, I used to play outside every day."
Explanation: Here, "used to" indicates a regular activity in the past that no longer happens.
Example: "She used to be very shy, but now she’s the life of the party."
Explanation: "Used to" shows a state that was true in the past but has changed over time.
Example: "I used to live in a small town, but now I live in the city."
Explanation: This use of "used to" helps highlight a change from the past to the present.
Creating sentences with "used to" is quite easy once you know how it works. Let's look at some examples and break down their structure.
Affirmative Sentence:
Structure: Subject + "used to" + base verb
Example: "I used to ride my bike to school."
Negative Sentence:
Structure: Subject + "did not" + "use to" + base verb
Example: "I did not use to like vegetables."
Question:
Structure: Did + subject + "use to" + base verb?
Example: "Did you use to watch cartoons on Saturday mornings?"
Learning any new structure comes with its challenges. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Mistake: "I used to playing outside."
Correction: "I used to play outside."
Mistake: "I didn’t used to like vegetables."
Correction: "I didn’t use to like vegetables."
Mistake: "Used you to watch cartoons?"
Correction: "Did you use to watch cartoons?"
The best way to master "used to" is through practice. Let’s do some exercises:
Choose the correct forms to complete the sentences below.
1. What cartoons ____ to like when you were a child?
2. I____ listen to music when I was a kid.
3. We ____ to the park at weekends.
4. They _____ in the city, but now they live in the countryside.
5. I _____ the cake that my mom did.
6. ____ have blond hair when you were younger?
7. I ____very tall when I was in school.
8. She _____ to bed very late on Fridays and Saturdays.
9. Pablo ______ in a band.
10. I _______ my right arm in a skiing accident when I was 21.
Complete the following sentences about how things used to be 50 years ago. Fill in the gaps with the correct form of used to and the words in brackets.
1. Not too many people____ (live) in the cities.
2. Salaries_____(be) much lower.
3. People_____(not buy) so much stuff.
4. People______(not get) divorced.
5. People_____(not eat) so much processed food; their diet was healthier.
6. People_____ (have) more children and at a younger age.
7. People_____ (not travel) so often, or they just didn't travel at all.
8. People_____ (write) letters because they didn't have computers.
9. People_____ (not live) together before getting married.
10. Families _____ (be) closer and more connected than they are today.
"Used to" is a powerful tool when speaking in English. It allows you to talk about the past in detailed way, making your conversations and writings more interesting. By understanding its structure and common uses, and practicing regularly, you'll soon find yourself using "used to" naturally and confidently.
So, what did you used to do that you don’t do anymore? Share your stories and see how this simple phrase can bring your past to life in a new language.
Happy learning!